Rockies express interest in RHP Penny, but it's mild

DENVER — With Josh Fogg struggling and appearing unlikley to make his next start, Brad Penny has emerged as a possibility. The Rockies have expressed interest in the right-hander after he was released by the Red Sox last night. Penny would provide another option, along with Russ Ortiz, who is already in Triple-A. But there were indications by mid-afternoon that the Rockies’ interest was mild. They have concerns on how he would fit in the clubhouse.

The hope is that Aaron Cook can return in mid to late September from a shoulder strain, but Penny and Ortiz could be a safety net in the meantime.

Penny would clear waivers Monday, leaving the Rockies available to sign him for the pro-rated minium of roughly $85,000. There are indications that they have a decent shot to land him. If they claimed the veteran before he’s released they would have to pick up the roughly $1 million on his deal. It’s much more likely they would attempt to sign him on Monday at a minimal cost.

The Rockies can buy time by going with four starters in the next turn through the rotation because of Monday’s off day. This would limit the number of starts needed before Cook presumably returns.

Penny told The Boston Herald last night that he wants to sign with a contender before Aug. 31 so that he can be eligible for the playoffs.

Penny was discussed by the Rockies over the winter, but they backed off over some health concerns, and the lack of a glaring need. Eveything is different now with the team trying to reach the playoffs, and Cook out for at least two more weeks with a shoulder strain if not longer.

Earlier this week, the Rockies signed Ortiz and put him in Triple-A Colorado Springs. They also showed that they aren’t afraid to address a need when they agreed to terms with Jason Giambi on a minor-league deal. He will serve as an additional left-handed bat off the bench in September.

Penny also played for Rockies’ manager Jim Tracy in Los Angeles and has historically pitched well in the National League West. He has struggled over the past few months after a decent start. He won just one of his final 11 outings for the Red Sox, finishing with a 7-8 record and a 5.61 ERA.

Is there any chance the Rockies would kick the tires on Jason Jennings, who was just DFAed by the Rangers? Call me sentimental, but he seemed to do well with the Rockies in 2006. By the way, his wikipedia entry says he is “(allegedly) a major league baseball player.”

Kevin

Is there any chance the Rockies would kick the tires on Jason Jennings, who was just DFAed by the Rangers? Call me sentimental, but he seemed to do well with the Rockies in 2006. By the way, his wikipedia entry says he is “(allegedly) a major league baseball player.”

Admiral Ackbar

Please God, make this happen.

its not a trap!

Admiral Ackbar

Please God, make this happen.

\its not a trap!

Bill

Why does this team always seem content to take things off the scrap heap?

Make a bold move.

Trade for a real pitcher.

Utilize some of this surplus of young talent and make a bold move. So what if you give up three or four top prospects?

The Rockies will never be taken seriously until they get over the Hampton/Neagle deal.

Package Fowler, Hawpe, Atkins and whatever else they need to and get a top flight pitcher.

Bill

Why does this team always seem content to take things off the scrap heap?

Make a bold move.

Trade for a real pitcher.

Utilize some of this surplus of young talent and make a bold move. So what if you give up three or four top prospects?

The Rockies will never be taken seriously until they get over the Hampton/Neagle deal.

Package Fowler, Hawpe, Atkins and whatever else they need to and get a top flight pitcher.

Ben

Well Bill, considering that the trade deadline has past, they can’t trade for an elite pitcher. And should they sign Penny, it’s not going to be a long term thing. He’s here for September to add depth to the staff and that’s it. Besides, their pitching staff, when healthy, is arguably the most consistent in baseball, so there is no need to give up a ton of talent for a single pitcher.

Ben

Well Bill, considering that the trade deadline has past, they can’t trade for an elite pitcher. And should they sign Penny, it’s not going to be a long term thing. He’s here for September to add depth to the staff and that’s it. Besides, their pitching staff, when healthy, is arguably the most consistent in baseball, so there is no need to give up a ton of talent for a single pitcher.

DPeterson

Fowler and Hawpe? are you insane?

DPeterson

Fowler and Hawpe? are you insane?

Curtis

you all have no clue what you are talking about, Jiminez has shown us quite clearly he is a legit #1 starter.. “Let’s trade half our team to get a top of the line pitcher” – Bill. We have one on the team already. the Rockies pitching staff has pitched more iniings and has more quality starts than any team in baseball.

Curtis

you all have no clue what you are talking about, Jiminez has shown us quite clearly he is a legit #1 starter.. “Let’s trade half our team to get a top of the line pitcher” – Bill. We have one on the team already. the Rockies pitching staff has pitched more iniings and has more quality starts than any team in baseball.

Bill

I didn’t say anything about trading Fowler and Hawpe, etc….right now.

Did I?

No. I didn’t. Try reading the post again, smart guy.

The point I made is that the Rockies always try and go on the cheap. They take on other teams garbage and try to turn it into gold.

The Majors don’t work that way. The Monforts told everyone to be patient. To let the young guys develop, and then they would investigate utilizing that surplus. Well……..it’s high time to utilize.

Trade some of these young prospects for pitching. They could have made a serious play for Cliff Lee. They could have made a serious play for Halladay. They could have gone after a few other guys.

They are satisfied with picking up Russ Ortiz from the old folks home. That does not get it done.

This team will miss the postseason because the front office and owners are scared of making a big play.

Now is the time, and we have a GM and owners that are chicken.

Bill

I didn’t say anything about trading Fowler and Hawpe, etc….right now.

Did I?

No. I didn’t. Try reading the post again, smart guy.

The point I made is that the Rockies always try and go on the cheap. They take on other teams garbage and try to turn it into gold.

The Majors don’t work that way. The Monforts told everyone to be patient. To let the young guys develop, and then they would investigate utilizing that surplus. Well……..it’s high time to utilize.

Trade some of these young prospects for pitching. They could have made a serious play for Cliff Lee. They could have made a serious play for Halladay. They could have gone after a few other guys.

They are satisfied with picking up Russ Ortiz from the old folks home. That does not get it done.

This team will miss the postseason because the front office and owners are scared of making a big play.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.